Sciaranuova Festival
Theatre in the vines among the Etna vineyards
About Sciaranuova Festival
Theatre in the vines on Mount Etna
The Sciaranuova Festival is one of the most evocative cultural experiences of the Sicilian summer: a contemporary theatre showcase held within the Cantina Planeta Sciaranuova, in the hamlet of Passopisciaro, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna, in the territory of Castiglione di Sicilia, in the province of Catania. Here, the Planeta family has passionately created a true open-air theatre, a natural proscenium in the shadow of the volcano, nestled between an ancient pine forest and terraces that were once vineyards.
A festival born in 2015
Founded in 2015, the festival has carved out a significant place in the theatrical landscape of Southern Italy, bringing contemporary Italian playwrights and companies to a venue far from conventional circuits. Each edition consists of a limited number of high-quality evenings, carefully curated to offer the public a glimpse into experimental theatre, blending word, music, and storytelling.
The evening experience
The atmosphere is an integral part of the performance: doors open around 8:00 PM, as the sunset light fades over the vineyards, and performances begin at 9:00 PM. Before the show, guests can enjoy the ritual of an aperitif in the vineyard, tasting Planeta Etna wines in a landscape that unites nature, wine culture, and live art.
- Where: Cantina Planeta Sciaranuova, Contrada Sciaranuova, Passopisciaro (Castiglione di Sicilia, CT)
- When: Evenings in July and August
- Times: Doors open at 8:00 PM, shows start at 9:00 PM
- Genre: Contemporary theatre, storytelling, live music, open-air
Between Sicily and Etna
The Sciaranuova Festival perfectly represents the spirit of the Etna region: a continuous dialogue between volcanic soil, excellent viticulture, and culture. For those visiting Eastern Sicily in summer, it is an opportunity to discover the northern side of Mount Etna not only as a wine destination but also as a place for performance, where the magic of the night and the charm of the landscape amplify the emotion of the theatre.
Sciaranuova Festival — edition 2026
Sciaranuova Festival 2026 - "Dieci"
For its tenth anniversary, the Sciaranuova Festival chooses an essential title, "Dieci", and presents three evenings of contemporary theatre between July 24 and August 1, 2026, in the open-air theatre setting of the Cantina Planeta Sciaranuova, on the northern slopes of Mount Etna.
The program
- July 24 - "Vorrei una voce", by and with Tindaro Granata (produced by LAC Lugano Arte e Cultura): a work born from theatre in the women's prison of Messina, built around the songs of Mina, between dreams, fragility, and redemption.
- July 25 - "Calcinculo" by Babilonia Teatri, with Enrico Castellani, Valeria Raimondi and the participation of Francesco Scimemi, music by Lorenzo Scuda: a blend of theatre and music on the contradictions of contemporary society.
- August 1 - "La difficilissima storia della vita di Ciccio Speranza" by the Les Moustaches company, text by Alberto Fumagalli, with Damiano Spitaleri, Alberto Gandolfo and Federico Bizzarri (regional premiere): the story of a young aspiring dancer in search of his own identity.
Doors open at 8:00 PM and shows start at 9:00 PM. A tenth edition that confirms the festival's vocation for the best contemporary Italian dramaturgy, immersed in the landscape of the Etna vineyards in the municipality of Castiglione di Sicilia.
Programme Sciaranuova Festival 2026
Highlights Sciaranuova Festival 2026
Prices Sciaranuova Festival 2026
Practical information — Sciaranuova Festival
How to get there
The Cantina Planeta Sciaranuova is located in Contrada Sciaranuova, in the hamlet of Passopisciaro (Castiglione di Sicilia), on the northern slopes of Mount Etna. By car, it can be reached via the SS120 in the direction of Randazzo/Passopisciaro; the nearest airports are Catania-Fontanarossa (about 1 hour and 30 minutes) and, further away, Palermo.
Tickets and reservations
Seating is limited and booking is recommended. Information and tickets via the Planeta family: email [email protected], phone +39 091 327965, or on the official website planeta.it.
Tips
The event takes place outdoors in the evening: comfortable clothing and a light sweater are recommended, as temperatures can drop at higher altitudes. Combine the show with a visit to the vineyards and a tasting of Planeta Etna wines.
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Where does it take place — Sciaranuova Festival
Cantina Planeta Sciaranuova
Contrada Sciaranuova, 95012 Castiglione di Sicilia